NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is considering fielding a second-string team or withdrawing entirely from the FIFA ASEAN Cup while prioritising the highly anticipated India versus Brazil friendly in Kolkata. The two sets of fixtures clash, with the FIFA ASEAN Cup scheduled to be played from September 24 to October 4 this year. The India versus Brazil friendly is scheduled for October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium.At the Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia urged the AIFF to prioritise the FIFA ASEAN Cup instead.“I suggested that we prioritise the FIFA ASEAN Cup because of the competitive value it brings. There are higher-ranked teams than India in the tournament, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Beyond that, there are participation fees and the potential for prize money if we go all the way,” Bhutia told TimesofIndia.com.“Worth also bearing in mind that the India versus Brazil friendly will cost the AIFF money that it doesn’t have. Even if there is only a small fee, which can later be recovered through a third party, there is still a risk,” he continued.
India versus Brazil friendly will cost the AIFF money that it doesn’t have. Even if there is only a small fee, which can later be recovered through a third party, there is still a risk.
Bhaichung Bhutia | Former India captain
The AIFF, which relied heavily on the Rs 50 crore annual fee from FSDL towards the ISL, can no longer count on it after the contract expired in December 2025. Therefore, it has become even more important for the national body to be cautious with its spending.India, ranked 138th in the world, has been placed alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a tournament where only the group winner advances.India’s request to send a second-string team to the inaugural competition was turned down by FIFA, AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan informed the Executive Committee.The tournament was announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.The majority of the AIFF Executive Committee, however, is in favour of prioritising the marquee friendly against five-time World Cup champions Brazil.
